Graduation rate of low-income students

Post-secondary readiness

Graduation rate of low-income students

What does this measure?

The number of low-income students graduating on time (after four years of high school), as a percentage of their cohort. The cohort is the class of ninth-graders beginning high school together.

Why is this important?

High school graduation is the culmination of a successful K-12 education and the gateway to college or employment. Students who do not graduate face the prospect of unemployment or low-paying jobs.

How is our region performing?

In 2015, the graduation rate for low-income students was highest for Alcoa Schools in Blount County (98%), followed by Anderson County Schools (95%). Rates were lowest for Loudon County Schools (81%) and Sevier County Schools (80%). Knox County Schools reported the third-lowest graduation rate for low-income students, however, was on par with the state average of 83%. Since 2011, graduation rates among low-income students have improved in all but two school districts, and improved the most in Union County Schools and Roane County Schools rising 32 and 22 points, respectively.

Notes about the data

Data are not available at countywide and regional levels. Low-income students are those with family incomes low enough to qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches.